POFUT1 and PLAGL2 are characteristic markers of mucinous colorectal cancer associated with MUC2 expression.

Colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) is one of the most lethal histological types of colorectal cancer, and its mechanism of development is not well understood. In this study, we aimed to clarify the molecular characteristics of MAC via in silico analysis using The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The expression of genes on chromosome 20q (Chr20q) was negatively associated with the expression of MUC2, which is a key molecule that can be used to distinguish between MAC and nonmucinous adenocarcinoma (NMAC). This was consistent with a significant difference in copy number alteration of Chr20q between the two histological types. We further identified 475 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between MAC and NMAC, and some of the Chr20q genes among the DEGs are considered to be pivotal genes used to define MAC. Both in vitro and in vivo analysis showed that simultaneous knockdown of POFUT1 and PLAGL2, both of which are located on Chr20q, promoted MUC2 expression. Moreover, these genes were highly expressed in NMAC but not in MAC according to the results of immunohistological studies using human samples. In conclusion, POFUT1 and PLAGL2 are considered to be important for defining MAC, and these genes are associated with MUC2 expression.

Evaluation of abdominal aortic calcification by plain CT predicts anastomotic leakage in laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage is one of the most severe and critical complications of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer. However, definitive preoperative predictors of anastomotic leakage remain elusive. With the ageing of society, the number of colorectal cancer patients with arteriosclerotic disease in Japan is increasing. This study was performed to evaluate the correlation between preoperative arteriosclerosis and anastomotic leakage. METHODS: In total, 98 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer with reconstruction using the double-stapling technique without diversion of the stoma were enrolled in the study. Preoperative assessment of arteriosclerotic disease was performed by abdominal computed tomography. The calcification volume percentage of the aorta between the level of the celiac artery root and aortic bifurcation was calculated using ZIOstation2 software, and the relationship between arteriosclerosis and anastomotic leakage was analysed. RESULTS: Among 98 cases, anastomotic leakage was observed in 16 (16.3%). The median calcification volume percentage (range) was 2.35% (0-40.3%). Age, male sex, hypertension, dissection number, estimated glomerular filtration rate and tumour location were correlated with anastomotic leakage on statistical analysis. Statistical analysis showed that calcification volume percentage was one of the robust risk factors for anastomotic leakage (odds ratio: 1.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-1.17, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Calcification of the abdominal aorta may be a promising predictor of AL after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer reconstruction using the double-stapling technique.